Instructions: CLEAN the crabs carefully, removing the grit from the shell and pat dry.

Put in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients and enough water and bring to a boil. Cook for six to seven minutes.

Heat oil in a kadai. Add onions and stir-fry until brown. Add the ginger paste and garlic paste. Stir-fry until the onions turn golden. Dissolve coriander powder and chilli powder in 60 ml water. Add to the pan and stir-fry until almost dry. Add the coconut paste and poppy seed paste.

Stir-fry for four minutes. Add tamarind pulp and salt. Stir and add the cooked crab. Stir and add 120 ml water and stir-fry until the crabs are well coated with the masala. Remove and adjust the seasoning

To prepare the garnish, heat oil in a frying pan, add mustard seeds. When they crackle, add curry leaves. Stir for a minute. Add the crab meat and toss for a minute.

To serve: Remove to a serving bowl, and add the garnish. Serve as a starter.

NOTES : Andhra cuisine is not all Nizami. A piquant crab curry

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